Council votes on hike in water rates CFO says many variables contribute to water bill BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer      One summer it didn’t rain enough; the next, it rained too much. The inconsistencies of nature have caused the Red Bank Water and Sewer Utility to run at a deficit, resulting in higher rates for residents. More ... Judge recommends trustees rejoin board State education commissioner has 45 days to make decision BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer      The two disputed members of the Red Bank Charter School Board of Trustees may be one step closer to rejoining the board. More ...      Robin Kellogg (center) rehearses his role as Joseph during dress rehearsal for this weekend’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Rumson-Fair Haven High School. More ... Oceanport clerk to retire after 30 years of service Borough’s first clerk will be succeeded by deputy clerk BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      OCEANPORT — After serving Oceanport for 30 years, the borough clerk said that when she retires at the end of this month, she will not only be leaving her position, but with it, a community of friends. More ... Sea Bright council will hear NPS on Hook plan Superintendent asks for slot after council votes opposition to development plan BY SUE M. MORGAN Staff Writer      SEA BRIGHT — Mayor JoAnn Kalaka-Adams says she will gladly welcome a superintendent from the National Park Service (NPS) to speak to the Borough Council about a proposal between the federal government and a private contractor to rehabilitate Fort Hancock. More ... On Campus      Coastal Carolina University, Conway, S.C., announced the following local students named to the dean’s list for the fall semester: More ... Dropout rates at RBR reflect new ethnic makeup More African-American students staying in school, Hispanics leaving BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer      LITTLE SILVER — While more African-American students at Red Bank Regional High School are making the choice to stay in school, the dropout rate for students in another ethnic group is on the rise. More ... Friends share love of swimming, helping others Teens coach Special Olympics athletes BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer      Ocean Township — About a dozen years ago, two little girls in kindergarten had no idea that they would one day make a difference in the lives of some very special people. More ... F.H. school referendum passes by 2-to-1 margin Voters approve $12.3M in projects at borough schools BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      FAIR HAVEN — Despite last week’s icy weather, borough residents came out to vote March 8 and approved two questions on a special school referendum by a 2-to-1 margin. More ... Pay-to-play laws up for public review Three ordinances proposed to squelch all phases of the practice BY ELAINE VAN DEVELDE Staff Writer      TINTON FALLS — After a year of wavering on the subject, the Borough Council has decided that three local laws to put a stop to rewarding campaign contributors with professional services contracts are better than just one. More ... Council agrees: Red Bank budget needs work BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer      RED BANK — The Borough introduced the 2005 municipal budget at a special meeting last week, with a call for a 6.8-percent increase on property taxes. More ... Arts council wants to be known countywide      The Monmouth County Arts Council (MCAC) will be reaching out to parts of the county where it is not yet well known, according to the council’s new president. More ... Fair Haven family marches to own drums Daughter Jenny, then 6, was first to join after seeing drummers at Scottish festival BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer      ‘It’s all Jenny’s fault.”Mikki and Ed Brett, of Fair Haven, said simultaneously when asked how they got involved with the Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch bagpipe band. More ... Notes Around Town      The Fair Haven PTA is scheduled to host “Fair Haven’s First Floors” — what used to be “cook’s tour” or “kitchen tour” — on May 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. More ... Anti-gang initiative launched BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH –– An individual suspected of being the leader of a nationwide violent street gang was arrested in Long Branch last Thursday. More ... Police arrest two armed robbery suspects BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer      RED BANK — Borough police have arrested two young men who allegedly committed armed robbery last week. More ... Dodge Foundation awards environmental grants      Morristown — The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation has announced the awarding of $5,170,000 to 76 organizations in New Jersey and the Northeast. More ... On Campus      Coastal Carolina University, Conway, S.C., announced the following local students named to the dean’s list for the fall semester: More ...